Haryanvi Literature

Overview

Haryanvi literature holds a special place in the HTET examination as it reflects the cultural identity and linguistic heritage of Haryana. Questions from this topic typically appear in the Haryana General Knowledge section across all three levels (PRT, TGT, PGT). The emphasis is on recognising key literary figures, their major works, literary forms, and the distinctive features of folk literature.

The two towering figures in Haryanvi literary tradition are Pandit Lakhmi Chand (the father of modern Haryanvi folk theatre) and Surdas of Haryana (distinct from the Braj Bhasha poet). Beyond these personalities, candidates must understand the broader tradition of folk literature including Saang, Ragini, Kissa, and oral poetry that has shaped Haryanvi cultural expression for centuries.

Mastering this topic requires memorising names, works, and their cultural significance rather than deep textual analysis. Expect 2–4 direct factual questions on literary figures and folk forms.

Key Concepts

• **Pandit Lakhmi Chand (1903–1945)** is called the "Surya of Haryanvi Saang" and "Shakespeare of Haryana." He revolutionised the Saang tradition by introducing social themes, refined dialogues, and musical sophistication. Born in village Janti Kalan, district Sonipat.

• **Saang** is the most important folk theatre form of Haryana—a musical drama performed in open spaces combining singing, acting, and dance. Traditionally performed by all-male troupes with men playing female roles.

• **Ragini** is the poetic-musical form used in Saang performances. Pandit Lakhmi Chand composed over 1,000 raginis. These are sung in specific ragas and form the backbone of Haryanvi musical literature.

• **Haryanvi Surdas** (16th century) was a blind poet from village Sihi (Faridabad district), distinct from the famous Braj Bhasha Surdas. He composed devotional poetry in Haryanvi dialect and is associated with Krishna bhakti tradition.

• **Kissa** is a narrative folk poetry form depicting stories of love, valour, and tragedy. Popular kissas include Heer-Ranjha, Mirza-Sahiban, and regional tales of Haryanvi heroes.

• **Folk literature of Haryana** is predominantly oral, transmitted through generations via singing, storytelling, and theatrical performances. It includes wedding songs (banna-banni), festival songs, and ballads of local heroes.

• **Baat/Kahani tradition** refers to folk tales and proverbs (lokoktiyan) that carry moral lessons and reflect rural Haryanvi life, values, and wisdom.

Key Facts

| Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Pandit Lakhmi Chand's birth | 1903, Janti Kalan, Sonipat | | Pandit Lakhmi Chand's death | 1945 (aged 42) | | Title given to Lakhmi Chand | Surya of Haryanvi Saang, Shakespeare of Haryana | | Famous Saangs by Lakhmi Chand | Padmavat, Heer-Ranjha, Satyavan-Savitri, Puran Bhagat, Shahi Lakadhara, Nautanki | | Haryanvi Surdas's village | Sihi, Faridabad district | | Haryanvi Surdas's period | 16th century | | Major folk theatre form | Saang | | Musical poetry form | Ragini | | Narrative poetry form | Kissa | | Other notable Saang artists | Mange Ram, Deen Dayalu, Ali Baksh |

**Must-Remember Facts:**

1. Pandit Lakhmi Chand composed in Bangru dialect (spoken around Rohtak-Sonipat region). 2. His Saang "Heer-Ranjha" is considered his masterpiece. 3. Haryanvi Surdas should not be confused with Braj Bhasha Surdas of Sur Sarovar fame. 4. The annual Lakhmi Chand Samaroh is held in his honour in Haryana. 5. Saang performances traditionally begin after sunset and continue through the night. 6. Ragini is characterised by its question-answer format between characters. 7. Major dialects of Haryanvi include Bangru, Ahirwati, Bagri, and Mewati. 8. Pandit Mangeram Bhardwaj was Lakhmi Chand's guru in Saang tradition.

Worked Examples

**Example 1:** *Who is known as the "Shakespeare of Haryana"?*

**Solution:** Pandit Lakhmi Chand is known as the "Shakespeare of Haryana" due to his extraordinary contribution to Haryanvi folk theatre (Saang). Just as Shakespeare transformed English drama, Lakhmi Chand elevated the Saang tradition from simple entertainment to refined literary art with sophisticated dialogues, social messages, and musical excellence.

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**Example 2:** *Match the following:* | Column A | Column B | |----------|----------| | 1. Saang | a. Narrative poetry | | 2. Ragini | b. Folk theatre | | 3. Kissa | c. Musical poetry |

**Solution:**

• Saang → Folk theatre (b)
• Ragini → Musical poetry (c)
• Kissa → Narrative poetry (a)

*Tip:* Remember the hierarchy—Saang is the performance form, Ragini is the song form within Saang, and Kissa is storytelling poetry.

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**Example 3:** *Which village is associated with Haryanvi Surdas?*

**Solution:** Village Sihi in Faridabad district is associated with Haryanvi Surdas. This 16th-century blind poet composed devotional poetry in Haryanvi dialect. Do not confuse with Braj Bhasha Surdas who is associated with Mathura-Vrindavan region.

Common Mistakes

• **Confusing the two Surdas poets** → Haryanvi Surdas (Sihi, Faridabad) is different from the famous Braj Bhasha Surdas (author of Sur Sagar). The former wrote in Haryanvi dialect; the latter in Braj Bhasha. Always check the context—if Haryana GK section, it refers to Haryanvi Surdas.

• **Mixing up literary forms** → Students confuse Saang (theatre/drama), Ragini (song/poetry), and Kissa (narrative tale). Remember: Saang is what you watch, Ragini is what you hear sung within it, Kissa is a story you narrate.

• **Wrong dates for Pandit Lakhmi Chand** → His lifespan was short (1903–1945, just 42 years). Students sometimes confuse his period with Surdas's 16th century. Lakhmi Chand is a modern figure from the 20th century.

• **Ignoring the village names** → HTET often asks birthplace questions. Janti Kalan (Sonipat) for Lakhmi Chand and Sihi (Faridabad) for Surdas are frequently tested.

• **Assuming Saang is a dance form** → Saang is primarily a theatrical/dramatic form with music. While movement exists, it is distinct from pure dance forms like Ghoomar or Loor.

Quick Reference

• **Pandit Lakhmi Chand:** 1903–1945, Janti Kalan (Sonipat), "Shakespeare of Haryana," master of Saang.

• **Haryanvi Surdas:** 16th century, Sihi (Faridabad), blind devotional poet—NOT the Braj Bhasha Surdas.

• **Saang = Folk Theatre | Ragini = Musical Poetry | Kissa = Narrative Story**

• **Famous Saangs:** Heer-Ranjha, Padmavat, Satyavan-Savitri, Puran Bhagat.

• **Dialect of Lakhmi Chand:** Bangru (Rohtak-Sonipat belt).

• **Memory hook:** "Lakhmi Chand—Janti Kalan—Sonipat—Saang—Shakespeare" (chain the facts together).